My Tips for a First Time Arcade Buyer

[@JanTheMangaMan]

This is definitely such a helpful video. Gonna bookmark this and keep it in mind whenever i go out of my way to look up some arcade cabinets

[@carlosfields9937]

Well done. Thanks for taking the time to share....

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks Carlos

[@DreamcastKyle]

I think it’s important for the person to be interested in tinkering/learning the anatomy of an arcade video game.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Great point! You’ll almost certainly need to poke around in it eventually.

[@SpecialNeedsLuther803]

I got a Neo Geo 4-slot MVS a few years back. One of the best and most versatile cabs to ever exist and doesn’t take up a lot of space and some of the best game series ever made. That’s all anyone needs for an authentic cab imo. However, there is a KI cab on local offerup that I’m going to check out this weekend. Price is steep tho :/

[@AnthonyCotto]

Driving games are HEAVY and some don't even easily separate the seat from the screen portion. Definitely try and find service manuals online and read up on the weight, how it may break down into smaller parts, and handling challenges you'll run into.

[@michaelloehman7939]

Great video Chris! Yea, I had that KI for years and even though I loved the game so much, I never really had the time to learn the ins and outs of it. So if something major had actually gone wrong, I would’ve been screwed. Lol. That’s why it made me so happy that you got it. Your not only passionate about the game itself, but also the inner workings of it as well and there’s a lot to learn about all of that. 👍

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks again for thinking to offer it to me. It was perfect for my needs. I’ll slowly start hanging onto more arcade monitors so I have a back up if it ever needs it lol. Getting that other board running was nice too, I’ll always have one ready to go!

[@khatru311]

Great video! If you want it, buy it. Especially if it's a hard to find game. If you haggle, you risk losing the cabinet. Also, learning to fix them can be the most rewarding part of the hobby.

[@jbondbmw]

These are good tips. I was nervous buying my first arcade cabinet hence why I bought from TNT Amusements. I know I overpaid compared to marketplace, but I do have a perfectly clean 100% working cabinet. I did have to fiddle with it once I got home, though. Amazing what come loose when a machine vibrates on a trailer for 6 hours. When I finally have space for a second cabinet, I will try marketplace. A monitor that is 100% is a must for me though.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Ah crap, I should have mentioned reputable sellers like Todd! Maybe that will be a future video. There are good sellers out there. I didn’t want to name the example I gave but people like TNT are worth the money for new buyers. You know they’ve gone through it and are pros at repairing them.

[@2aalways362]

I visited one like this in Tarpon Springs Florida had a blast. Had allot of Pinball Machines which is my all-time favorite!

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Nice, we just bought our first pinball machine earlier this summer.

[@JamesWilliamStevenParker]

Brother, this was a very informative and interesting watch. I'm super glad you made this video. What got you interested in acquiring and purchasing arcade machines/games? Much love from England.

[@bpseal]

Just bought two Sit down Cruisn USA to link together. Been an adventure for sure. Lucky to have a 30 year 90's arcade tech to help me with the process. Should be a complete refurbishment.

[@haydendue3126]

Great video I'm going to pick up my fist machine this weekend great timeing

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Nice, which game?

[@haydendue3126]

@@KillerArcadeGames a Artic thunder and Rush the Rock duel cabs

[@prawnk1ng]

I really a version of want outrun 2. I’ve current got a Sega blast City and Naomi Universial. Do you think a Sega Crazy Taxi or 18 wheelers stand up cab can run outrun2 if I buy the correct internal hardware?

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I’ve never seen Outrun 2 for sale yet. I think we’ve talked about that before and I do keep an eye out for it. I don’t know enough about Sega cabinets to say for sure if you can swap hardware between those cabinets.

[@ThePaagshim]

While i will never buy a real arcade i very much enjoyed the video and learned a few things . Looking forward to ur follow up video on the prices.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks! I gotta get on recording that video.

[@oscarestivencarabalyherrer1279]

Cool! 5 arcade in a row, Chris! I love this!

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks Oscar!

[@oscarestivencarabalyherrer1279]

@@KillerArcadeGames You're welcome!

[@NightYoshi]

I've actually been eyeing an empty Primal Rage cabinet a few hours away from me. Doesn't come with the board (I already have one) or the monitor. Would you recommend I stay away from it due to the monitor situation? I know a few other FB sellers also have monitors but I know nothing about them.

[@Bearcade]

Great video. Great tips for collectors.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks!

[@mknightstalkerx]

I've been watching you for over a year. Great content. I grew up playing these in the 80's & 90's. Would a basement be a good place to put these? Or even arcade1up's?

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks Robert! Yeah, a basement is a good place for them. My only concern would be the risk of flooding. Oh, and getting real machines down the stairs lol. But that’s not all that bad. It will seem like a huge pain the first time but you’ll get better at it.

[@tonyritter2539]

cheapest way to get into arcadeing at home is to learn about arcade frontends and how to wire a usb arcade controller

[@prawnk1ng]

Great video as always. 👍

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks

[@retromod6488]

It all starts with, "I don't have room for a full scale cab" then it turns into "I wonder if I could fit in an 8th full size cab". "It was a good deal, I couldn't turn it down!"

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Hahahah thats absolutely true. Once that California Speed is sold I'm sure I'll be looking to fill its spot in the garage.

[@ALiteralCooler]

As someone who has never bought a arcade machine, I can confirm this might be right.

[@ajboomer1347]

Even though not on the same level of authenticity as a real arcade cabinet, but an Arcade1Up cabinet is a good alternative when you can't get help from other people or if your doorway to your house is too narrow for most real ones to fit through. Though I'm still hoping there's a softmod method for Pole Position since the Arcade1Up company has no future plans to bring said game to the market (as stated by John D.), because there is likely no way I can even fit an upright version of the cabinet through my doorway! 😔

[@Victor-it6bv]

Any tip on how to transport if you don't own a truck?

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I’d recommend renting a uhaul trailer if you have a vehicle that can town at least 2000 pounds. Beyond that, I paid local movers to get a cabinet out of a house for me. I’m sure movers in your area would take it to your house. It may cost you some money but it’s an option.

[@Rautz.]

I use a van and a hand trolley. I had plywood panels to match shape of van floor. I get machine to back of van the tilt onto its back. Then slide on its back and push into van. Helps immensely if you have a second person but doable on your own

[@keeleye7225]

In a perfect world they'd be making every single part for these old arcade cabinets still, but it is what it is. The Arcade1Up cabs do look tempting, but I wish the cabinets themselves were built to withstand serious abuse instead of what looks to be flimsy particle board.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Yeah, the 1Ups are no where near the durability of a real machine.

[@RetroFett]

Love it Chris! But I fell the BEST advice for new arcade buyers is... don't do it :) Unless you are DEDICATED and have the extra $$$$ and time to troubleshoot/repair/mess with high voltage & aging CRTs/rip your hair out and scream at the walls. These used machines are aging and while they make "work" when you buy them, there is a LOT of maintenance involved. For the "casual" gamer who just wants some retro gaming in their life, please start out with the new Arcade1Up machines. In general, they are less than $500 each, relatively small and light weight so room and mobility are not a big issue. There are several cabs to choose from, and often times Arcade1UP will scratch that retro itch. Also, the $500 AtGames Legends Ultimate has over 100 LEGAL arcade and home console games, and includes 2 joysticks, a trackball, and 2 spinners! But if you want a REAL arcade machine, then perhaps save up and start with a new Pac-man Pixel Bash arcade machine ($3,000 on Sharper image but does show up for less with periodic discounts) and it has almost 3 dozen LEGAL authentic Bandai/Namco arcade classics. Or the $3,000 Arcade Legends 3 machine, with over 100 LEGAL legal games, trackball, 2 player controls, large monitor, etc.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I hear you on that. It’s not for everybody. I should have thought to remind people of my modding Arcade1Up guide I made. That’s enough for a lot of people.

[@MikesArcadeMonitorRepair]

Good advice Chris.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Thanks Mike, I hope The Arcade build is going well!

[@MikesArcadeMonitorRepair]

Yup. Moving next week and open date is May 12 (hopefully).

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Wow, I may be in the area right around the 12th! If I am I’ll stop by.

[@MikesArcadeMonitorRepair]

Sweet! Shoot me a message if you are!

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I will!

[@peter0071000]

Hey are you able to show us how you put it on your truck?

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I have a 10x5 trailer I use to pick them up. We just bring a dolly and take it up the ramp. I almost always lay them on their back and strap them down. The easiest way to load them in a truck would be to move the back of the cabinet up against the down tailgate, get some help to tilt it back and push it in on its back. I've seen some people put a big piece of cardboard on the back to make it slide in the bed of the truck easier.

[@peter0071000]

@@KillerArcadeGames thanks mate! I like your content, keep it up!

[@KillerArcadeGames]

@@peter0071000 Thanks! Oh one more tip, I may have mentioned it in this video but I forgot lol. If you lay the cabinet down, I"d suggest opening it first to make sure the game board is secure and there's no loose heavy stuff inside that could fall or bang around in there.

[@peter0071000]

@@KillerArcadeGames thank you.

[@deadmousyplutaprestige8771]

Tip number 1. Buy cheap, real cheap, as cheap as humanly possible, and don't let emotions over rule common sense. Why?? These machines are old, old.. and repairs are inevitable. These units were sometimes made with cheap components, and all electronics were not made to last, so if you don't know how to fix this ship yourself, you will be digging a money pit hole you will never recover from.

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I’m always surprised by how these are all built like a tank! But yeah, old electronics and they get worn out quickly. Plus people spill drinks inside of them 🙄 my Hydro Thunder still has some soda marks inside.

[@chrischavez7010]

Great video bro! When can i play against your combo haha

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I’m sure I’ll be on again soon. Maybe doing some streaming this weekend!

[@chrischavez7010]

@@KillerArcadeGames Excitement!!!

[@rileykazama3145]

The word noob is funny

[@KillerArcadeGames]

Hahaha it’s Boon backwards. Did Ed Boon invent the word Noob? 🤔

[@wakandafoodtruck4758]

I see cabinets for 300 but can't afford it now. What a shame

[@SSBSfanboy]

Still no "Roach Dude" intro 😔💔

[@KillerArcadeGames]

This video was already recorded before you reminded me lol.

[@tekkamanviper2783]

one thing i wont ever do is buy any arcade cabinets from 1up. their cabinets are the worst when it comes to having the space for 2 players, i rather spend extra and buy the original arcade cabinets. but thats just me

[@KillerArcadeGames]

That’s true. You better be really comfortable with the person you play against on 1Ups because you’ll be all over each other haha. My plan is to phase out the ones I have and replace them for full size machines.

[@tekkamanviper2783]

@@KillerArcadeGames ah very nice sir, love that Hydro thunder. one of my favorite arcade cabinets

[@KillerArcadeGames]

I love it. I worked in an arcade when it came out and we played it a ton. It’s one of those games that’s best played on the real thing.

[@techvof]

Dont do it or you'll end of having to build sheds in your back yard because of your addiction 😂

[@KillerArcadeGames]

This made me LOL hahah

[@macuser7048]

Arcade 1-up cabinets are cheaper, smaller, and easier to assemble.

[@arcaderacer586]

I been buying games at auction &resale them for years. If you buy 10 games that are working at auction. 2 of them wont be working when you get them home. Everyone needs to understand you are buying old worn out stuff. All of it is decades old . Nobody should get into real machines unless you are prepared for headaches

[@KillerArcadeGames]

That is true. I’ve never bought from an auction but have wanted to check them out. I’m not a fan of making quick decisions. But getting to see them ahead of time is nice.

[@arcaderacer586]

@@KillerArcadeGames I always installed lcd’s in the machines that had bad crt’s. The crt’s are so old you cant keep them going.